Moving photos, pictures and other graphics from hard copy to hard drive may seem like a rocket science, but it�s really not difficult at all. Just like the text of a web page, graphics are stored in files that sit alongside your web page files. Here are the three ways you can get these files into place.

Yes, a scanner was the thing that they used in Star Trek, and while the real deal surely won�t do what it did on the Enterprise, it will empower you to make any image appear on your computer screen. Most scanners look like miniature copying machines, and work in almost the same way: You put the picture face-down on the machine, close the cover, click the �go� button on your computer, and several seconds to minutes later (depending on which machines you�re using), presto!The image appears right there on your monitor. From there you can use all kinds of programs to alter the image, change its size, even add text to it, and � most importantly, save it to your hard drive. Scanners are as easy to add on to your computer as a printer, but if you don�t want one, many copy businesses offer scanning as service.

Do It Yourself with a Digital Camera

A camera that works without film? No such a thing! Reality has caught up with fantasy however, and the digital camera has become the hot new technology. Some are limited in range, working only when they�re directly connected to your computer. Others use a floppy disk or cd rom (the same types that fit in your computer) in place of the film, and that gives you free range. The best part: All of them are as easy to as the traditional camera. Just point, shoot, and your new photos are ready for the computer!

Let a Developer Turn Your Film into Computer Files

Believe it or not, your favorite film developer probably has the ability to transfer your developing photos to computer files. Not all locations do this just yet, but most of the bigger companies do. All you�ll need are your negatives or your camera film, and you�ll submit them for processing just like you do when you want prints. Instead you�ll get back a floppy disk with your images on them, ready for Internet use. The charges are usually reasonable, and the results are pretty neat!